If you look at an anatomy text from the 18th century you will find that the human body has not changed much in the last 300 years. If you look at a legal text from that period, it will be of little use in guiding you in the 21st century. Every year, … [Read more...]
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
There are a great many ideas that fill the holiday season. Manger scenes are meant to remind us of the incarnation celebrated by Christians. The Jewish Hanukkah celebration symbolized by the menorah. The television commercials, the hustle and bustle … [Read more...]
Gifts
As Christmas approaches and every commercial promises happiness with the purchase of the advertiser’s product, the thought of gifts is inescapable. For some people, gifts are pure joy. They love to shop for them. They love to give them. They love to … [Read more...]
Fake News
The term “Fake News” is thrown around a lot these days. It usually means the person using it is not happy about something that has been reported. It is frightening to those of us who see a free press and an informed citizenry as essential to our form … [Read more...]
Considering Estate Planning or Probate?
Value Earlier this year I was on the West Coast and dined at a San Diego restaurant which had come highly recommended. Since you don’t know me, I will tell you that I have been described as “conservative” with money, because it is considered rude to … [Read more...]
BACK TO SCHOOL ESTATE PLANNING?
Back to school, off to college, or into military service? Perhaps you have just entered the work world? Believe it or not, it may be time to consult with a good lawyer. Turning eighteen, moving out of the house, or various other transitions present … [Read more...]
THE PEOPLE BUSINESS
Over almost thirty years of law practice I have experienced a lot of change. Max Lucado says; “if you don’t like change, try the coke machine at my office”. Well Max, I don’t think I like change. It’s inevitable… It’s constant… It’s disruptive… It’s … [Read more...]
Three Misconceptions About Estate Planning
1. I’LL GET AROUND TO IT Seventy percent of Texans never get around to preparing for their death or disability. They rationalize that when they get old or sick or hurt they will see a lawyer about some documents to protect their family. This is like … [Read more...]
HANDLE WITH CARE
Perhaps you have seen “HANDLE WITH CARE” stenciled on the outside of a container or crate. If you’re like me you may have tried to child-proof a room or dealt with the consequences of placing an item in harms’ way. As we get older we accumulate more … [Read more...]
H.A.L.T.
In her article “Client Self-Defense Against Abuse, Disputes, and Neglect,” Renee C. Lovelace reminds us of an acronym describing risk factors for becoming a victim of scams. H.A.L.T. refers to the risk saturated circumstances of being overly hungry, … [Read more...]
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
I am apparently on the “He’s old so we can scam him“ list. Extended warranties or refinancing for cars I don’t own, windows, roofing, and people claiming to be from the IRS or my internet provider. Some of these folks are looking to sell me … [Read more...]
“ONLY BRUSH THE ONES YOU WANT TO KEEP”
I read a quote the other day that has caused me to engage in the unaccustomed torture of thought. “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” I think the sentiment is empowering and a little bit intimidating. On the one hand, I want relief … [Read more...]